Australia signs new bilateral agreement with PNG

10th APEC Transport Ministers meeting marked with signing of a new bilateral air services agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea

The agreement will support tourism and trade between the two nations

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester met with his Papua New Guinean counterpart to sign the agreement

Australia and Papua New Guinea have further strengthened their aviation relationship with the signing of a new air service agreement in Port Moresby today.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the agreement formalises a legal framework fit for the modern aviation environment and for continued cooperation on air services between the two neighbours.

“It is important Australia sustains strong connections with its closest neighbour and with Pacific nations more broadly. Air travel supports future tourism and trade opportunities for both countries and brings our nations closer together,” Mr Chester said.

“Over a quarter of a million people flew between Australia and Papua New Guinea in the past year, and I hope this number will continue to increase.

“Australia and Papua New Guinea also exchanged $5.3 million in merchandise trade in 2016 and air freight plays a key role in facilitating that trade.

“It was great to meet with my counterpart, Papua New Guinea's Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, the Hon. Westly Nukundi Nukundj, to sign this agreement.

“I look forward to welcoming even more of our Papua New Guinean friends to our country in coming years, and the benefits those visitors will bring to local businesses.”